Friday Happies & Happy Mother's Day!

A Mama and her Kit.

Hey y'all! Thank goodness it's Friday, even though I work half the weekend. It's been a week of trials and errors for this ole gal, but I am kicking today off happy, healthier and motivated. Without further ado, here's this week's list of funs, happies, pretties, interestings and what-nots for you to kick your weekend off right! Here we go!

*I love love love this nurse's reaction to her patient who was paralyzed but with intensive physical therapy is now able to walk. So sweet!

*Geek time! I loved this info-graphic of mythological creatures of the world. It's not an inclusive list, but it's pretty great.

*Do you know about Money Trees?

*This five year old little boy is obsessed with Bruce Lee, so much so he has every move he made memorized!

*This lady inspired me. She did yoga every single day for a year, even though she wan't particularly yogic to begin with!

Mama Panda love!

*Woah. Spotting income inequality from space.  Sidenote, I have major nerd-love for Bill Moyers.

*This woman saved her three kids and herself from a violent hostage situation with her husband/boyfriend by leaving a message on her online pizza order. 

*I really dig 86 year old model, Daphne Selfe.

* This Amy Schumer video had me cracking up!

*I really liked some of these thoughts on female friendships.

*Some interesting ideas for Mother/Daughter dates! Aw!!

Pachyderm Mama/Baby love!

*These pregnancy photos are really sweet.

*I"M SO EXCITED ABOUT PENNY DREADFUL!

*Ack! Wolf pup with the hiccups! Wolf pup with the hiccups!!! Also, Buck has the hiccups and is not happy about it.

*Heh. This guy is kind of ridiculous but he did start a company from scratch and sell it for nearly $100,000 like a month later.

*For the OCD in all of us. Inka Mathew matches every day items to Pantone color samples. 

*The Super from Friends dishes five secrets we never knew!

*THIS is a tiny house, but wowsers is it well-done!

*What happens when you give up sugar for a month. Pretty fascinating!

*Moxie Girl, a comic by 7 year old Natalie McGriff. You rock, Natalie!

Aw!!

I hope y'all have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend planned. I'm going to make something for my mom, but I can't say what because she reads this blog! Hopefully my boys (dogs, Comodino and Seven) will make me some clay paw prints or something. Don't forget to call the moms in your life (I like to send messages to my girlfriends who are moms as well as my mom and stepmom). Have a great weekend guys!

Friday Happies!

Hahahaha! This made me laugh out loud and immediately think of all the Southern women in my life!

Happy Friday, y'all! It's been a week. Man oh man. Not just for me but for my whole family. It's all good though. They're all far more graceful than I am. I still chug along. Anyway, I'm working all weekend, but if you aren't or if you are...here are some funs, pretties, happies, what-not's and feel-goods to help usher you into a nice one regardless!! Enjoy!

*I love this flawy, gauzy top. But I feel compelled to do some push ups (or just get a nice long cardigan to layer with instead) beforehand!

*I'm not a glitzy glam kind of gal, but there are some cute (and some practical) ideas here. 15 ideas for fixing up your old high heels. 

*I really want to make this for our trash and recycling area. Three black plastic trash cans from Home Depot do not do it for me aesthetically. For reals, y'all.

*Have y'all listened to the new song by Ed Sheeran, Thinking Out Loud? I love it! The video is pretty romantic too! Not bad for a guy who never danced like that until training for the video!

*This little heart necklace is so pretty and would be such a nice birthday, Mother's Day or Valentine's Day!

*This Dove "Love your curls" campaign had me crying the happiest tears. They do a wonderful project to help little girls love their curly hair (it made me so sad to hear them say they hated their curls at the beginning, that they wanted to pull it out or straighten it!) then Dove gets together and makes something really beautiful!! I think it's such a lovely way to help little kids in general love the way they look naturally. 

*This made me laugh out loud. Weird ways couples mess with each other. The hubs and I are definitely guilty of a few of these!

*I could not help but cry. Her friends, assistant and cast and crew (of her tv show) flash mobbed her with a cute hula dance! Her reaction is just wonderful! She is the funniest, sweetest gal. Happy 93rd birthday, Betty! Anytime you need a feel good moment, watch it.

*While you're at it, this funny clip of Johnny Carson and Betty White as Adam & Eve had the hubs and I snorting!

*The ultimate reading challenge! Oh, it sounds so fun!!

*100 years of black beauty (and hairstyles) in 1 minute! I love them all! The 1960's is my favourite. The 2000's made me laugh because I totally remember that hairstyle was everywhere!

*Wanna live in a nuclear missile silo in Roswell? It's kinda cool!

*I'm a nerd. I'm a nerd who is also quite vain.  I'm obsessed with teaching myself to sleep on my back (because I want to minimize décolletage wrinkles and the inevitable sagging of my face). Therefore I'm always researching things that will help me accomplish this.

*What would our favorite literature characters be like in 2015? Yes & Yes (I told you I love her blog!) just started a great feature where she explores that very sweet idea! Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables- love it!!

*In 1959, a woman mailed a letter to the man that fathered her child five years previously. Newly married, his wife intercepted the letter and hid it, never mentioning it to him. Fifty-five years later, the father found the letter and found his son. He thought he'd never had any children and always lamented it. It's so sweet to see them together. My favorite quote: "How do you feel finding out you have a son?" His reply? "Like any proud father with a newborn son." Awwwwwwwwww!!!!!!

*Because I already told you I'm a nerd and I love this kind of stuff! Egg identification chart!!

I hope you have a truly wonderful and relaxing weekend no matter what you get into!!

Put some good out there.

Sailor Gutzler

Earlier this week, a little girl survived a plane crash that killed her parents and other members of her family. This little girl (seven years old) walked through the Kentucky wilderness in very cold temperatures (though she was dressed for warm Florida weather) and found the actual closest possible house, got help and managed to direct rescue workers to the crash site. She did this with a broken wrist and covered in blood from other minor injuries. Her name is Sailor and she is safe and cared for in the custody of her grandmother now.

I am in awe of this little girl: her wits, the survival skills she remembered and her fortitude. If you want to join me in donating to this fund for her, please do. If you have another organization that speaks to you, please give a little to it today. I am reminded that remarkable comes in many shapes, sizes and situations. This is just one of many.

I hope you have a truly wonderful day.

Friday Happies!

Fleecy Flock Ribbon (see below!!)

Hey y'all! Can you believe it's only 5 full days until Christmas? That's nuts. It seems like this season has been slow (helloooo retail!) and very fast at the same time. This weekend I'm working like a damn hound, but it's okay. It's almost done and soon it will be New Year's! What a whirlwind of a year!!

Anyway! You know what Fridays around here mean! Here are some funs, happies, heart-warmies & pretties to help usher you into your weekend (and hopefully put a smile on your face too).

*It met with mixed reviews, but this year's tree in Reading, Pennsylvania was pardoned even though some city council members and residents thought "it was too ugly". Not only has it been saved and is on display in the middle of town, but they embraced it's Charlie Brown Christmas Tree-ness and placed a blue blanket around the base (think Linus' security blankie) and a single red ornament. Everyone in the town has been invited to help jazz it up (just like at the end of the Charlie Brown Christmas Special) on Christmas Day and they've even started an essay contest so people can submit writings on the real meaning of this season. Now talk about getting it right, y'all! Way to go guys!

*Fleecy Flock Ribbon Sheep?!?!?! I didn't realize it until now, but now that I know it exists; I must procure it for loved ones!

*A possibly transformative New Year's Resolution (more on those next week).

*These parents got together to give their kids' crossing guard a new vehicle when his was repossessed due to mounting hospital bills for his sick wife. What a lovely gesture!

*As you know, I dream of having a smidgen of "grown-up" in my bohemian, quirky & inner-child friendly apartment. I really liked this makeover for a newlywed couple feeling the same way. Though the realist in me wonders just how much that makeover actually cost.

*This would be so perfect for the hubs' bedside table (and one for me too...*ahem*).

*Check out this Japanese man's totally zen gift-wrapping style. I cannot even figure out what shape the wrapping paper started out in but woah!! I'm impressed! While you're at it, check out this Japanese man's incredible ironing skills (I'm baffled by most garments myself- though cloth napkins I've got down), and this Japanese man's shoe-shining skills. As my husband says, "there is something so soothing and gratifying about watching someone do something with their hands, and do it so masterfully." Japan has definitely gotten some things figured out!

*Minus the bows, I would totally wear these and pretend I was Phryne Fisher.

*In that same vein, these bad boys would work too (but in a champagne colour like she wears)!

*Nine year old girl writes a kind letter to her teacher. "It's just your life."

*We love Ray Blount Jr. at our house, and his hilarious commentaries on Southern life always make my day better. His take on Christmas songs is a winner for me. Love it!

*This is (literally) one of my favourite holiday songs (other than all things Vinve Guiraldi & Nat King Cole). I don't know what that says about me. I also love that the video for it is from an entirely different song. Hilarious.

*Never underestimate the power of egg whites. From pancakes, cookies, soups & cocktails, this surprising ingredient is Best in Show for many a recipe. Check some out here!

*Contrary to my love of the 20's, I know I'm a nerd and thiiiiiiis close to being a macaroni necklace-wearing earth-muffin...but I still totally want this (and have for years now)!

*Remember that delightful chunky knit throw from Tuesday's post? Here's a way to make one yourself!!

Have a wonderful weekend, y'all!

Friday Happies!

Well, the weeks are going by so fast now. What have you got planned for this weekend? I will be finishing up all things holiday before working like a dog during the week of Christmas. Fun. Anyway! Here's this week's list of funs, pretties, & happies to move you steadfastly into a lovely weekend! I hope you enjoy!!

*Guidelines for book lovers (the hubs and I have seriously half of one room devoted to our growing collection- it fights with the growing minimalist in me).

*In case you missed my post on 9 Kisses. I just love the whole idea!

*Y'all I love a magnifying glass. And small binoculars. Always have. Yet I own neither. One of these on a mantle (when I someday have a mantle) would be awesome! I like the tall one best. Or the eye. I can't make up my mind!

*This made me laugh out loud. A new mom recorded her kid screwing with her while she "tried to sleep". Apparently nap time just isn't an option for anyone present. It's so funny!

*Don't read this if you don't want to sniffle a little with happy-cry-sniffles.

*I absolutely adore this faux fawn throw. Say that three times fast. I want it in my snuggly cozy house I don't have yet; on my nice, clean, reupholstered sofa I don't have yet, in front of a roaring fireplace I don't have yet. Sigh. But it will be mine, oh yes! It will be mine!

*Did y'all see the time capsule from post-Revolutionary Massachusetts uncovered this week? Paul Revere and Samual Adams both had a hand in its creation. Cool! I love historical and anthropological stuffs!!

*I don't know if you noticed this awesome water bottle from my post the other day, but it's so damn pretty I had to post it again!

*I've had this song stuck in my head for days now. It's your turn. Yes, that's the actor with the one wooden eye from Pirates of the Caribbean. I kinda have a weird crush on him.

*I love a "Just Because"!

*This was interesting. Seven food trends to watch in 2015. Would you try maple or cactus water? I just might!

*How refreshing! Holiday decorating ideas that don't make me want to barf.

*Sausage balls recipe from Garden & Gun. Dang! Those sound good!

*I love this charming post from my mom's blog, Firefly Evenings. Even the name of the blog is cute!

*I'm a February baby, so I love hearts. This would be cute framed in a small powder room or on a nursery wall.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Friday Happies!

*I listen to this song at least three times a day. It makes me so happy. I've been a big fan of Brett Dennen for nearly a decade now and he just keeps getting better. His feel good, well-written, quirky and often wry music always makes me feel up for an adventure. Dig that this record was made in my hometown of Nashville, TN and dig the 70's vibe in the video too.

*My feet have been so cold lately.  I could use these! I'd feel like a Scandinavian princess!

*This is a need, not a want!!!

*I absolutely love this tunic! I'd wear it with gold heels, leggings, a turtleneck and gold dangly earrings!

*I love this beautiful magnolia leaf wreath. It's so simple and Southern and lovely.

*I have a pretty casual style. Mama always said "never leave the house wearing something you'd be embarrassed to run into Mam-maw & Uncle Snap in". Mam-maw and Uncle Snap were my great-grandparents, and though they are both gone now, I still keep this in mind. That being said, I am a devout fan of nice, cozy loungewear- but it stays at home for lounging! It gives me something decadent to look forward to after a long day of dealing with annoying customers and when I am out, I don't ever have to worry about being schlumpy or too casual. All of this is to say, I kind of adore these slouchy pants by Parc Boutique. But they stay at home...

*Great article on actress Joy Bryant and her beautiful home. She seems like she'd be someone you could end up sharing a private joke with about some crazy misadventure.

*Have you ever played King Kubb? I think I'd like to try!

*I think I'm going to make some of these as gifts this year. Or just for my container garden.

*And now, something just weird and funny for you to enjoy.

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Just a little bit- hey baby!

Hey y'all! It's Wednesday and around here on Wednesdays I share all different kinds of organizations, people, animals and causes you can donate to. Even if its just $5! Every little bit helps. Here's the list from previous posts that I think we should check out again!

*Support the Critical Care Program Fund for animals in need!

*Donate to East Nashville Radio and keep this 24/7 online radio station playing great music!

*Let's keep up our support for Narayanan Krishnan and all the solid work he is doing for the impoverished and abandoned in his country.

*Help give clean drinking water to people all over the world. A luxury we often take for granted.

*Support the Marine Mammal Center, love 'em!

*Help heal our American Rivers!

*While we're at it, find and support your local Waterkeepers!

*Surivial International helps tribal peoples, defend their lives, protect their land, and determine their own futures.

*Best Friends saves homeless animals. Help them out today!

Give a little bit!

Hey y'all! It's Wednesday, and around here on Wednesdays I give a list of organizations, people, animals etc. you can donate to (even just $5 helps!). No act of kindness, no matter how small ever goes unnoticed!

*This is cool! DonorsChoose.org, teachers ask for what the need for their students, your donations get them what they need!

*Help little Diesel get his tests and treatment. Look at that face!!!

*Kiva is an organization that helps give loans to people all over the world to start their own businesses! How neat is that?!

*I've linked to Best Friends before, but it's been a while and I like them. So here it is again!

*Help Mom get to France!

*Give this soap maker a helping hand to get her wares out to her community. They look so nice!

*Help lay to rest a family (one mother and four children) who were killed in a fire. So sad.

*This little guy fell 150 feet down cliff and survived with major injuries. The Oregon Humane Society's Technical Animal Rescue Team hiked for hours to get him safely to surgery (he's doing great- what a tough and brave little guy!). Anything over the costs needed for his surgeries and medicines (already covered) goes to those brave and loving animal lovers that saved his life. Let's help them out!

*Let's give this dance troupe the public dance event they are working toward!

*Direct Relief International provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life to those affected by poverty, illness, catastrophe and war. A frequent high-ranking organization for its quality work.

Give what you can y'all! Every little bit helps!

I truly hope you have a wonderful day!

Give a Little Bit!

Greyhound photo by Elke Vogelsang

Hell y'all, it's Wednesday which means another dose of awesome people, animals and other organizations you can contribute to to help make the world a little bit of a better place! Remember, even just $5 can help so much!

*Help make a change in Africa, Asia, and Central America by helping to give clean, fresh drinking water to those in need. 

*While we're at it, let's get our Earth's soil in better shape too! Donate to the Soil Association today!

*Help General get the surgery he needs. He's a good boy and they're so close, only $970 away from their goal! He got 5 of my dollars!

*Best Friend's Animal Society! Help save them all! Love those sweet animal faces!

*I've got animals on the brain today! Help the only no-kill shelter in Tuscon relocate to a better location. 

*Help fund a billboard in England to raise awareness on the lives of racing greyhounds. They're close to their goal!

*Grayling Ceramics Studio is soooooo close to their goal, only $1037 left to go and 10 days left to do it! Give them a helping hand if you can!

*Clorofilia, a magazine of plant and ecology inspired articles and comics by artists and farmers needs your help to be published!

I hope you're inspired to help others today, and I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Spread it- the love, I mean!

Chuchi girl was a sweet, sweet girl. Never met a stranger or a frisbee she didn't like. RIP, good girl.

It's Wednesday, y'all. And for those of you who read regularly, it's just our Wednesday karma round-up! I list a handful of people you can donate to (it started with a $5 donation request), and you give to them or to the charities, organizations, people etc. that move you.

Whether or not you have given to any of the organizations, charities and folks I've listed here, there have been some big successes, particularly as of late! Five charities (Turnip the Beet Farms, the Desert Farm Initiative, Semolina Superheroes -smallest American pasta factory, Carly Jacobs doing Silly things for a bus, and the Monarch Butterfly Tagging Project!) we've listed have met major goals and/or been able to fund their projects thanks to people like you!!! Take a moment to let that soak in. Lives have been changed!! Let's give it up for some major successes in the lives of a few, and manifest ways to help so many more!

*Many years ago I had the privilege of falling in love with a pup named Chuchi. She was my best friend. The sweetest pup around; she never hurt a fly. She happened to be a pit bull. I have loved and rescued a few pits in my life. It isn't the breed that is nasty, it's what has happened to them (what people have done to them). I support Tia Torres' rescue center in New Orleans because these animals never asked to be a "bully" breed. In fact, they used to be (and still are) a "nanny" breed. That's right. They were known for their sweet, kind and loving nature with children, with anyone who will love them. Support Villalobos, New Orleans today. In honor of Chuchi and Cannonball Mingus. Two loving and kind pits that have pieces of my heart forever. Bless Tia's heart and the hearts of all those beautiful animals. Truly.


*John Oliver did a great bit on how pageants, such as Miss America, are the largest "providers" of scholarships for women (i.e also shady as hell) and they require their recipients to be unmarried, participate in a swimsuit competition, be the proud owner of a completely pristine uterus and the ability to answer complex socio-political scenarios in only 20 seconds. Here are some other (BETTER) providers of scholarships for women that don't rely on bathing suit bottom adhesives. And don't get me wrong, pageants are what they are. They just shouldn't be the largest "provider" of academic scholarships for women. Ahem. Take some time to check out these sites: Society of Women Engineers, The Patsy Mink Foundation, and The Rankin Foundation. And a tip of the hat to John Oliver for delving so steadfastly into the subject as to enlighten even the (sometimes) laziest of feminists.

*Help retired racing Greyhounds live a fulfilling life filled with love and companionship!

*Save Ace's life. He's a rescue dog, deaf and blind and suffering a neurological disease that causes seizures. Yet somehow he has been able to help a child with autism learn, grow and behave better. Help this animal who was saved by this family who is, in turn, saving his family. Save Ave & his boy.

*Help Sam with the expenses to treat his Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It started out as what seemed like an infection that only needed antibiotics.

*I've said it once (maybe thrice), Find Your Waterkeeper!!!!

I hope y'all all have a truly wonderful day and remember that no act of kindness, no matter how small, goes unnoticed.

*Don't forget to say "Rabbit Rabbit" first thing in the morning today! It wishes you good luck throughout the upcoming month. If you forgot, you can always say "Tibbar Tibbar" to reverse the unfortunate juju. Love to all y'all!!!

Friday Happies!

Well y'all, it's Friday! It's time for fun and links to all things fun, escapey, entertaining, or pretty. I have one day off (today) and am plowing through work the rest of the weekend, but I still hope you are entertained and delighted and have a wonderful and peaceful weekend. Here's the list!

*This awesome Photo booth-style picture showing a couple laughing. It is so rare to see smiling faces in old pictures because you had to stay still for so long to get the picture to come out right. Every time I see this on the ole interwebs it makes me smile.

*I love funny dogs. Enough said.

*I don't know when it started, but I've developed an odd love of wreaths.  I think its due to me rapidly progressing into my 30's. That is such a weird sentence for me to write and then read. Good grief. Well, I have so there. The ones from Terrain are so gorgeous it's ridiculous. I imagine having this beauty brightening my icky front door.

* It's getting to be that time of decade when I replace my beloved boots. These have definitely caught my eye for Fall.

*Speaking of Fall, I love sunflowers. Especially unusual ones. I found this great site, High Mowing Seeds, that has organic, non-Monsanto sunflower seeds. I love the Velvet Queen and am completely intrigued by the Italian White! For my future garden. Sigh.

*This Edamame Trail Mix looks fantastic. I must try it! I'll have to figure out how to do the dehydrating with my oven for I do not have miscellaneous kitchen appliances on principle (see this post).

*Remember Carly Jacobs, that lady that was doing silly things to get a bus for the special needs students at the school where she teaches? She made the goal!! Here's a reminder of her cause, what a lovely success!

*Moonlight Mile, a candle. It sounds so romantic and lovely. Perfect for this Autumn weather creeping in.

*Lizzie Velasquez, a role model who speaks against bullying. Awesome young lady!

*Yum times ten! Ginger sesame fried eggs for breakfast. This is totally how I roll.

*How about 35 GIFs of Individuals Who Really Did Nail It. Celebrate successes, amiright?!

I hope you have a truly wonderful day & weekend!

No act of kindness, no matter how small...

Proverb.

It's Wednesday y'all. Lord, have I had the longest week already! Yesterday all kinds of crazy found me. I'm sure part of it is my fault for letting it find me (or paying the piper, so to speak). But man! I was a ball of stress/grumpiness/exhaustion/frustration. I wanted to vent and be a piss-ant. I wanted to drink a bottle of wine and eat peanut butter for dinner (sometimes being a grown up is awesome). I wanted to run away from everything that was pissing me off. You know, like healthy people do, right? Geesh.

I sat down at my computer to work on today's post, and laughed out loud (well, kind of snort-chuckled). I was sitting down to compile a list of people, organizations, animals etc. that could use whatever help they can get, and I've been bitching and whining and being a butt about little things that are so super controllable. I embarrassed myself, frankly. Remember when I said this blog is just as much for me as it is for everyone who reads it? Yeah, that's the big time truth.

So, I took a little extra time to find more folks to help. It made my heart feel better and maybe it can help theirs too. Here we go!

*Remember the Semolina Superhero fundraiser (the smallest American pasta company) from a few weeks ago? Well, thanks to everyone that contributed, they made their goal!! Yaaaay!! While we're at it, let's help Clark Theriot publish a Cajun-Vegan cookbook! Sounds fantastic!

*An 11 year old developed an IV pediatric backpack for kids with cancer. They're almost to their goal (only $4000 to go!!). Check out the video here!

*Help fund Thor's (the cat) surgery!! They're almost to their goal (only $40 away)!

*Spread hope through dance for Rwandan street children!

*Wow! Check this out! American Sanctuary Association has tons of great accredited American animal sanctuaries to choose from! The Forest Animal Rescue has my attention (the post about Blizzard had my waterworks a-going).

Any organizations or charities you like to give to? I'd love to know! Remember, even just $5 can make a huge difference for so many. And as for me and my mood and perspective...changed for the better.

I hope you have a truly wonderful day.

Give A Little Bit!

Image of Apalachicola River Clyde Butcher

It's Wednesday, and on Wednesdays around here I like to take some time to find charities, organizations, and good ole folks to help out. Usually I can spare a fiver here and there and still stay within my budget; but if you feel so inclined, please give more! Several folks featured here in the past have met their goals! It feels so good to give (time, energy and cash if you have it), so let's see the list for this week! Happy giving hearts to you all!

*Help Bryce recover from a devastating fire that wiped out the whole apartment building where she lived.

*ShelterBox helps create temporary shelters in disaster-ridden areas.

*Support the Marine Mammal Center, they help rehabilitate marine life and educate people on the need for ocean stewardship!

*Help Nancy, a woman who has looked out over Klamath National Forrest for years. This year the fires destroyed her home and her trusty old truck.

*Help American Rivers! Help heal our North American waterways!

*Your donation to the World Wildlife Fund can help so much! Be the voice for those who have no voice.


I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Spread the Love

Hello friends! If you're ever having a hard day, do something nice for someone else. It may sound overly-simplified and perhaps a bit trite, but it really works. I've been in my head a lot over the past week and honestly the only thing that pulled me out today is finding new people and organizations and causes to give to. Every Wednesday at P&PPS is all about giving, so here's this week's list of people and animals you can help. Let's keep a cycle of generosity going!

*There are 18 days and less than $1600 away from Carly Jacobs getting a bus for the special needs children at the Waratah School. Help her out!

*And Desert Farm Initiative, featured here several weeks ago, made they're goal! Yay! Read about their mission here!

*Be a Semonlina superhero! Help this small pasta factory expand to a bigger facility. Heh. Semolina superhero.

*Help tribal peoples defend their lives, protect their lands, and determine their own futures. Survival International.

*Help fund tracking for Monarch butterfly migratory patterns. How cool!

*Help preserve the native language and culture of the Scottish Gaelic people.

*Sign the petition asking Lowe's CEO to stop selling plants treated in bee-killing pesticides, and donate to Friends of the Earth.

I hope you have a truly wonderful day!


Image courtesy of Original Only.

Spread the Love

Image courtesy of Danielle Laporte.

It's Wednesday! The day we here (we being me!) take some time to send out some good juju by paying it forward just 5 bucks at a time and encourage you to do the same! It feels good to give and ask nothing in return. I found this quote today and it rang a certain truth for me. Perhaps it will for your too! So, without further ado, here are this week's selection of people, places, animals and things needing some karmic love.

*Several weeks ago, I linked to donate to Turnip the Beet Farms so they could build new greenhouses. I was thrilled to see earlier this week that they made their goal! Let's celebrate! Cheers to all the backers and to TtB! I can't wait to see some updates!

*On that note, I'd love to see the Animal Abuse Defense Registration get to their goal. They are less than a month from their end date. I upgraded my donation from last week today. Help them out here!

*Just help. Emergency Veterinary Services. Those sweet animals.

*While we're at it, Critical Care Program Fund for even more sweet animals in need.

*Help Mr. Geason fight cancer. Wow! What a neat man, and so loved by his former students, friends and family! I never had him as a teacher, but I was indeed moved!

*Help assist children with disabilities here.

*First Book. A way to get books to children in need.


I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Spread the Love.

Happy Pig courtesy of nayamina.

Wednesdays are unique. You're half thrilled that the workweek is over, but kind of "blech" that there are still two days left. I feel it is sometimes overlooked as something you have to get through. I don't even have a regular work week yet I always find myself in that funny "Wednesday Place", thinking I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I think Wednesday is a good day to take inventory of your week. See where you may have fallen off the bandwagon and make a few changes to boost your good vibes.

Have you fallen into any negativity traps? Have you had successes?! Either way, use this time to realign yourself on the positivity tracks and/or celebrate your victories. Here are some ways you can put some good out there and help others in need. Remember, every little thing makes a difference, even just $5.

*Turnip the Beet Farm was featured here several weeks ago! They're almost to their goal! Help them out! Yay! That's so exciting!

*Help the residents of Sasha Farm Sanctuary & Safe Haven for Animals! You can even sponsor an animal like Rosie the Emu, Precious the Pig, or Johan the Mule. I think I may just do that. I can't resist those little faces!

*Best Friends Animal Society. A way to save homeless pets. Save them all.  It's a really beautiful organization and, like SASHA, you can sponsor an animal- even ones with special needs. I've been quite moved spending time on their page.

*Help Clinton & George find a home. What strong and resilient boys indeed. Wow.

*Help keep a roof over Kristal's head in Ahoskie, North Carolina.

*One last gift for Nurse Amy.

I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Every little thing...

Image courtesy of Ocala Style

How is your week going, friends? Need a pick-me-up? Perhaps you are looking for a way to manifest some good in your life? As I mentioned last week, sometimes the best way to do that is by bringing good into someone else's world. Take some time to peruse these organizations and charities. You may find something that speaks to you, or perhaps it will spring something to mind in your own neighborhood that you can help. Remember, even just $5 can make a difference in someone's day and life or the life of an animal. Isn't that wonderful? I think so. I know several of these got my dollars this week!

*Animal Abuse Defense Registry. A way to make sure adopted animals are going to a safe home. I love that idea.

*Help rebuild Broadway Lights Dance Center in Gulf Breeze, Florida. It was nearly destroyed by heavy storms. How can you resist those little ballerina tutus?!

*A way to help "decision-makers" chart recovery in the Gulf of Mexico. I'm a Gulf Coast girl, and the ecosystems here are stunning, however they have suffered so much. This would be a cool way to give back.

*On that note, save our manatees! I love manatees. I want to hug them and if I ever get to be an eccentric billionaire, I will create a huge manatee sanctuary and bob around in the water with them for hours trying to steal hugs from these sweet creatures. I know one is not supposed to harass the wildlife, but they're just so lovely and an important part of their ecosystem. I physically have to hold back the hugs!!

*Help make sure no child goes to bed hungry. A big feat, but a noble one! Feed the children.

I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Just a little bit!

Image courtesy of Google.

The truth of the matter is, when it comes to giving, the word "only" comes up a lot. I'm only one person or I only have five dollars, it (or I) can't make a difference. But every little thing makes a difference. Even in "slacktivism", my main form of giving. I want to be more involved in organizations I believe in, and I'm getting there. However, my current situation is such that I don't have regular hours or time off, so it's a bit of a challenge to get to a meeting or a clean-up project or a rally. Most likely its a bit of tiredness mixed with a bit of laziness. Like I said, I am working on getting there (it's a personal project!).

Instead of wringing my hands and beating myself up for not being as generous with my time as I'd prefer to be, I donate whenever I can to different organizations, KickStarters and things of the like. Usually it's just five bucks. That's what I can let go of knowing my bank account won't be overdrawn. It isn't a lot, but I know for a fact that it can make a difference to someone in need because I have been in need before.

It is so wonderful to see someone get the care they need, or a bus for their students, or whatever else it is! Five bucks by five bucks I can make a difference in someone else's life. It keeps the good karma and good energies flowing and I need nothing in return. It isn't anything earth-shattering here. I'm not telling you anything you probably didn't already know. But if you are having a bad day, instead of spending that $5 bill on a comfort food or instant fix to try to feel better, trying giving that $5 away to someone who needs it. It's soul food, kiddos and it's oh-so good!

Here are some people or organizations to donate to if you feel so inclined or tell me other ways you give in person or online! I'd love to hear your ideas.

*Seer farms is a cool place. They help people who can't care for their animals (think service men and women or people who have lost their jobs etc.) no matter the timeframe, no matter the animal.

*Desert Farm Initiative. Help squelch a food desert in Baltimore!

*East Nashville Radio, a station that plays real, good music (the stuff you won't find on the typical radio) and has cool music shows every week. It's the brainchild of a guy in Nashville's music business that wanted a gathering place for artists that they could create whatever they want and still get played. I listen to it nearly every day. I love the Whiskey Wednesday show and my husband loves Tommy Womack's show on Fridays. The man who runs ENR, Richard Carpenter, uses the donations to pay for the rites to the artists for their music. Good stuff! (Plus, we love their t-shirts too!) Oh, and p.s. Richard is my dad, and he's awesome. :-)

*Help all kinds of people who have been affected by natural disasters. You can even shop (don't know if that's the right way to say it) by disaster like Colorado Flood, or victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

*Turnip the Beet Farm needs help building two greenhouses! Five bucks for the great name alone!

*Help Dollipop get to Europe to perform! Hell yeah! Love it.

I truly hope you have a wonderful day.